Unsustainable Fishing

Ocean systems require a delicate balance to maintain the ecosystem. Our activities can shift this balance by taking out more fish than the ocean can sustain (overfishing), or damaging the reef environment (destructive fishing).

Although Australian's waters are managed to maintain healthy fish populations, Unsustainable fishing can impact coral reefs by: 

• Reducing fish and shellfish populations
• Disruptions to the reef's ecological balance and food webs
• Impacts to fish size, abundance, and species composition

Destructive fishing can have a direct physical impact on the reef environment.  Trawling, bycatch, and explosive fishing are some destructive fishing practices that harm marine species and their habitat. 

We can help take action on this by selecting responsible seafood choices.